Which gland is often referred to as the "master gland"?

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it plays a crucial role in regulating and controlling the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. It is located at the base of the brain and produces and secretes hormones that influence growth, metabolism, and reproduction, as well as the activity of other glands like the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Through its secretion of tropic hormones, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), the pituitary gland directs the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and gonads, respectively. This regulatory influence makes it central to the functioning of the endocrine system and underscores its designation as the "master gland."

Other glands, while important for specific functions—such as the thyroid gland in regulating metabolism, the adrenal glands in stress response, and the pineal gland in regulating sleep patterns—do not have the same overarching control over the endocrine system as the pituitary gland does.